EP1784096A2

EP1784096A2 - Applicator

Info

Publication number: EP1784096A2
Application number: EP05771402A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ingeborg Graefe; Markus Danne; Andreas Wietzke
Original assignee: Henkel AG and Co KGaA
Current assignee: Henkel AG and Co KGaA
Priority date: 2004-09-01
Filing date: 2005-08-06
Publication date: 2007-05-16
Also published as: US20070175491A1; DE102004042617A1; WO2006024365A2; DE102004042617B4; US20090000634A1; WO2006024365A3; JP2008511430A

Abstract

The inventive applicator (1) for applying a hair-treatment agent, in particular for redying renewable hairs, to a hair-roots area comprises an application nozzle (3) for said hair-treatment agent, a distributor element (4) for distributing the applied hair-treatment agent and a closing element (5) for the application nozzle (3). The aim of said invention is to design an applicator which is usable by a layperson, makes it possible to carry out the accurate hair-treatment agent dosing, prevents from delivering other treatment products during distribution and which is easily mountable and producible. For this purpose, the distributor element (4) has operating and resting positions and the closing element (5) has a closed and open positions, wherein the distributor element (4) is mechanically coupled with the closing element (5) in such a way that said closing element (5) is in the closed position when the distributor element (4) is in the operating position.

Description

applicator

The invention relates to an applicator for applying hair treatment agent in the region of the hairline, in particular for re-coloring of regrowing hair, with a application nozzle for the hair treatment agent, with a distribution element for distributing the applied hair treatment agent and with a closure means for the application nozzle.

It is often necessary the area of the hairline targeted with hair treatment agents such. As care products, drugs, bleach or hair dyes or tints to provide.

For example, when dyeing hair, a distinction is made between the initial dyeing and the re-dyeing of the regrowing hair, which becomes necessary when some time has elapsed since the initial dyeing of the hair and the regrown hairs are therefore different in appearance from the first-time dyed hairs. The staining of the hairline is usually required every 1 to 1.5 months after the initial staining.

In the professional field, that is, trained hairstyles, the regrown hairs are dyed in the following way. First, the hair is divided or parted and then combed the split hair. Then, the targeted application of the colorant is done with a flat brush on the exposed hair areas near the scalp. The usually viscous to pasty color, which is now in a strand on the head, is spread under light pressure with a finger and in this way on the lying on both sides of the vertex

Hairline distributed with a width of about 1 cm. This process is repeated over the entire post-inking area of the head. Essential are always the three steps, which consist of dividing the hair, applying the dye to the split hair and distributing the colorant on the hairline. It is not easy for a layman to dye his own hair in this way. In particular, the sequence of the work steps described above is problematic for Selbstan¬ application. In addition, there is a risk that the product comes into contact with the hands, so that gloves must be worn.

Although there are known in the art applicators for applying hair color, but these are usually intended for professional use by hairdressers and little suitable for the end user. Thus, an applicator of the type mentioned in EP 0 038 024 A2 (WeIIa AG) is known. The distribution element here has the shape of a flat brush, the application nozzles for the hair dye being arranged between the individual bristle tufts. The flat brush lies in the direction of the division aid, which is designed as a dome. As is apparent from the description of this application on page 4, paragraph 1, the same, above-mentioned steps are to make with this hair dye application device. From

The advantage here is only that not a separate comb, a separate flat brush and a separate hair dye container are provided, but that the individual parts are combined in a single device and the steps can be made simultaneously or must. In addition, the distribution element covers the application nozzles, so that an accurate application and independent distribution are hardly possible. Also, in one embodiment of the device, the application nozzles are designed without closure means in the working position of the distribution element, so that the colorant during distribution tends to continue to leak. In a further embodiment, although a manually operable closure or valve means is provided, but this includes a complex and expensive construction.

Another applicator is known from EP 0 910 967 A1 or US Pat. No. 6,009,881, which, although of a simpler construction, carries out the abovementioned steps of dividing, applying and distributing in one operation. You have to work quickly, because the distributor conceals the application nozzle and it is always open, so that the applied amount of ink and its place of application can hardly be controlled. Thus, an exact application and dosage is difficult and there is a risk of overdose and Falschbehand¬ treatment. In addition, the speedy work makes certain demands on the layman. US 4,211,247 discloses a variety of other applicators, which essentially comprise an applicator nozzle for splitting the hair and applying the paint, as well as a distributing element, wherein the distributing element may be formed as an applicator roller which is pivotally or fixedly connected to the applicator housing either via a lever , Even with these applicators, the three steps are performed primarily in one operation. These applicators also run the risk of applying too much paint because the applicator nozzle is always open. Although similar applicators are known from US Pat. No. 4,209,027, which can be closed by means of valves, the valves are expensive to construct and tend to clog when using pasty treatment agents. Furthermore, it is not ensured that the user actually actuates the respective valve and thus stops the escape of treatment agent in a timely manner.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide an applicator that allows self-use by the laity. In addition, the applicator should allow an exact dosage of the hair treatment agent without overdosing and in particular prevent the distribution of further hair treatment agent when distributing. In addition, the applicator should be easy to set up and manufacture.

This object is achieved by the reproduced in claim 1 invention.

Characterized in that the distribution element has a working position and a rest position and the closure means has a closed position and an open position, wherein the distribution element is so mechanically coupled to the closure means that the

Closure means is in the closed position, when the distribution element is in the working position, it is also possible for the layman to treat his own hair in the hairline safely and easily without the risk of overdose, since the distributor ensures that the application nozzle is closed by the closure means as soon as the distribution of the hair treatment agent is started. Thus, a thorough distribution can be made without any further hair treatment agent exiting.

It is therefore dispensed with in contrast to the above applicators on the execution of the three steps in a single operation in favor of ease of use. It is also advantageous if the distribution element with which the closure means is mechanically coupled, that the closure means is in the open position when the distribution element is in the rest position. This results in a slight 5 catchy operation of the applicator.

In order to effect the interaction of the distribution element with the closure means in a structurally simple manner, it is advantageous if the distribution element and the closure means are at least connectable to one another. Thus, the closing means can be actuated by the distributing element as it moves from one position to the other.

Conveniently, the distribution element is arranged in its working position in the region of the application nozzle tip, so that it is clearly visible and to be guided by the user 5 exactly. Thus, a targeted work is also possible in the distribution.

In order for the distribution element to be movable from one position to the other, it should usefully be movably connected to the application nozzle.

0 This can be z. B. along the application nozzle or have two elongated side parts, which are connected to the application nozzle transversely to the longitudinal direction of the application nozzle, ie transversely to the application direction, hingedly.

If the distribution element is displaceable along the application nozzle, its rest position is advantageously in the region of the base of the application nozzle, that is to say in the region of the transition to an optionally provided connection piece. Then it does not interfere with the application of the treatment agent and does not obscure the applicator tip.

In order to actuate the closure means during the interaction, the distribution element 0 can have means which are arranged in frictional engagement with the closure means

Means for actuating, so opening or closing, the closure means can be brought. This may be protrusions extending in the longitudinal direction of the application nozzle, which couples with a rotary closure arranged on the housing as soon as the distributing element is in its rest position. They are then preferably designed such that the distribution element causes a rotation of the closure when leaving the rest position, ie the closure means can be actuated by rotating the means.

In this case, the distribution element can be moved by a rotational-displacement movement of its o rest position in its working position and vice versa, including the

Application nozzle of the applicator in one embodiment on its outer circumference has a groove or a projection with which or cooperates with a provided on the distributor counterpart. For this purpose, the distribution element can embrace the application nozzle, in particular as a surrounding round brush 5. However, it is also the use of sponges or similar Verteilele¬ elements conceivable, as they are familiar to the expert, such as. B. Brush with one or more rows or curves of bristles or brush hair tufts.

If the distribution element has two elongated side parts, which are connected so as to be able to hinge with the application nozzle transversely to the application direction, ie the longitudinal direction of the application nozzle, it is advantageous if the side parts interact with the closure means, for which purpose the closure means can be carried by the side parts. This results in a structurally simple design and production. 5

The applicator according to the invention thus consists in the simplest variant of only three elements: application nozzle, distribution means and cooperating closure means.

0 The closure means may be formed as a crosspiece between the side parts with Sackloch¬ bore or similar suitable recess. In the working position, the distribution element engages on the application nozzle tip by means of the recess and thus closes it. It makes sense that the distribution element has a distribution surface with which the actual distribution of the hair treatment agent is made. This is preferably a surface distribution surface, as z. B. by

an elastic flap made of plastic or a sponge is formed.

However, particularly preferred is the use of a sponge or sponge-like distribution element. It is very particularly preferred if the distribution surface is rotatable about an axis extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the application nozzle or application direction, as described, for example, in US Pat. B. in a rotatable sponge ball or a rotatable sponge roller is the case. Then, in addition to reducing friction when

Distributing ensures that the hair remains in the parted state, so it is not confused.

According to a further embodiment, the applicator has latching means which fix the distribution element in its working position and / or rest position. Thus, an unwanted change in the position of the distributor is prevented, as might otherwise occur in one-handed overhead work.

Conveniently, the distribution element with the application nozzle is made detachable and fastened, so that the user can easily assemble the applicator. This is useful for packaging and also allows the user to choose between the classic conventional treatment and the invention. Then z. For example, the treating agent container with the sealed application nozzle is supplied separately from the distribution member. Also can thus be chosen between differently executed distribution elements, so that z. B. by a width variation, the risk of double dyeing is reduced.

For this purpose, the applicator in the manner of a cap with the Haarbehandlungs¬ medium container can be screwed, ie up or unscrewable on conventional reservoir and accordingly reusable. The application nozzle can thus have a connecting piece for connection to a hair treatment agent container. Also can be achieved by suitable design so a modular design, which allows a simple construction and at the same time good adaptability to different containers, so that z. B. commercially available application bottles are used. Moreover, if the applicator is still connected to the hair treatment agent container via a pivotable outlet, the user can assume a working posture favorable for him or comfortably achieve an optimal alignment of the application nozzle and the distribution element.

The invention also relates to a Haarbehand¬ lungsmittel container according to the above, which is designed with an applicator with the aforementioned properties in one or more pieces. In particular, the application nozzle may be part of the container.

In order to carry out a treatment of the hair in the area of the hairline with the applicator according to the invention, the procedure is, for example, as follows:

First, the user releases the opening of the application nozzle of the applicator connected to the hair treatment agent container. For this purpose, the distribution element is moved to its rest position, whereby it causes the opening of the application nozzle by cooperation with the closure means. If the distribution is to be stored separately, so z. B. the already associated with the container applicator nozzle freed from a cap or cut off the closed tip. Subsequently, the distribution element is fixed, which then ensures the further closeability, and this brought into its rest position.

Then the user travels through the hair with the applicator, whereby these are divided or parted simultaneously by the open tip of the application nozzle and

Treatment agents, such. As hair color, is applied from the container in the region of the hairline.

After completion of the application of the treatment agent or the color, the distribution element is brought into its working position, so that it closes the application nozzle, and distributes the treatment agent or the color with it, wherein the distribution preferably moved by the contact with the scalp relative to the container or is rotated so that the user neither has to wear gloves nor come into unwanted contact with the treatment agent. The invention is particularly intended for use in dyeing or re-dyeing the human hair. Then, the hair treatment agent container contains suitable colorant or toner mixtures. However, the applicator according to the invention can generally be used for the treatment of hair in the region of the hairline or hair roots. Then the Haarbehandlungsmit¬ tel container contains z. B. appropriate care products or medicines.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a first embodiment of an applicator according to the invention with a distribution element in the working position 5 ment.

Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the applicator of Figure 1 with the distribution element in the rest position.

Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of a second embodiment of an applicator according to the invention with the distribution element in the working position and

Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of the applicator of Fig. 3 with the 5 distribution element in the rest position.

Corresponding parts are designated for ease of understanding in the figures throughout with the same reference numerals.

Figures 1 and 2 show a schematic side view of a first embodiment of an applicator designated as a whole with 1 with a connector 2, with a applicator nozzle 3, a distribution element 4 and with a closure means 5. Figures 1 and 2 differ in that in FIG 1, the distribution element 4 is in its working position and in Figure 2, the distribution element 4 is in its rest position 5. The connecting piece 2 of the application nozzle 3 is provided as an openable or unscrewable Verschluss¬ cap with an internal thread, so that it can be attached to a commercially available hair dye bottle.

5

From the connecting piece 2 extends the elongated and from its base to the open tip 6 towards tapered applicator 3. This is formed in one piece with the connector 2 in the present case. The application nozzle 3 has a continuous inner bore which opens into a corresponding opening of the connecting piece 2 and thus the supply of dye in the hair dye

see included colorant in the application nozzle 3 allowed. The longitudinal direction of the application nozzle 3 defines the application direction. The application nozzle 3 also serves to share the hair.

5

Thus, z. B. by compressing the hair dye bottle colorant in the application nozzle 3 and further to the open tip 6 for application to the split hairs are promoted.

0 On the connector 2 are two elongated and parallel to each other

Distance running side parts 7 of the distribution element 4 pivotally articulated about an axis 8 transversely to the application direction. The side parts 7 are shown transparent for a better overview, which is indicated by the dashed lines. They extend from the connecting piece 2 to beyond the tip 6 of the applicator nozzle 3 and 5 extend in the rest position substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the

Application nozzle 3. At the end of the elongated side parts 7, which protrude beyond the tip 6, a sponge roller or roller 9 is provided as a distribution surface. It is rotatable about an axis 10, which extends transversely to the application direction and parallel to the axis 8 between the side parts 7. 0

Spaced from the sponge roller 9 in the direction of the tip 6, the closure means 5 is provided as a closing plate 11, which extends between the side parts 7 and is firmly connected thereto. This has a recess 12 which has approximately the dimensions of the applicator nozzle tip 6. 5 The closing plate 11 is positioned in the longitudinal direction of the side parts 7 in that. the working position of the sponge roller 9 shown in Figure 1, the tip 6 of the applicator nozzle 3 preferably closes by positive engagement. Since they and the side parts 7 are made of a suitable plastic, the taking of this position takes place 5 latching or clamping, ie by elastic deformation.

To distribute the applied colorant, the user can roll the entirety of the bottle and applicator 1 with the sponge roller 9 along the scalp, whereby no colorant can escape from the closed applicator nozzle 3, o

For the application of colorant, the distribution element 4 is moved with its side parts 7 about the axis 8 in the adjustment direction V to the rest position. This is the

Closing plate 11 is folded or pivoted by small force under elastic deformation of the 5 tip 6 of the applicator nozzle 3 to the side and the Auftrag¬ nozzle 3 thus opened.

The distribution element 4 can be held in the rest position (FIG. 2) by latching means. These can be z. B. a slight knob-like elevation on the connector 2 0 and a correspondingly positioned recess in one or both side parts 7 include.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a schematic side view of a second embodiment of an applicator 1 connected to a bottle 13 with the distributing element 4 in the working position (FIG. 3) or in the rest position (FIG. 4), the applicator 1 starting from the

Application nozzle 3 is shown cut.

The connecting piece 2 is screwed to a bottle 13. As in the first embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 extends from the connector 2, the 0 elongated and tapering from its base to the open tip 6 towards

Application nozzle 3.

The application nozzle 3 has a continuous inner bore 15, which opens into a corresponding opening of the connecting piece 2 and thus allows the supply of colorant contained in 5 of the hair colorant bottle 13 in the application nozzle 3. The The longitudinal direction of the application nozzle 3 also defines the application direction.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 differs essentially from the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 by the embodiment of the distributor element 4 and the closure means 5.

Namely, the distributor 4 is formed as a circular brush 14 surrounding the applicator nozzle 3, which is movable along the applicator nozzle 3 between the operative position on the applicator nozzle tip 6 and the rest position. O

In order to grip the round brush 14 without contact with the treatment agent, a grip region 16 is provided above the bristles 17 extending in the direction of the application nozzle tip 6.

5 So that the round brush 14 is not from the application nozzle 3 or applicator tip 6

"slips down" when it is in the working position (Fig. 3), a peripheral edge (not shown) is provided at the nozzle opening, which optionally coupled by clamping with a corresponding recess on the round brush 14.

0 In the working position of the round brush 14, the application nozzle 3 is closed by the closure means 5. These are provided by the connector 2 designed as a screw cap. In this case, the connecting piece 2 is designed such that the round brush 14 is displaceable from the rest position shown in Figure 4 only by turning and moving into the working position shown in Figure 3. 5

In the turning step, the round brush 14 is coupled by means of projections 18 to the rotary closure 2 in such a force-locking manner that it causes entrainment of the rotary closure during rotation and thus the closure (or opening) of the application nozzle 3. The round brush 14 is held and guided by guides in such a way that it can only be moved downwards along the application nozzle 3 to the tip 6 after 0 sufficient rotation around the application nozzle 3 in order to close it. Accordingly, the reverse displacement or rotation takes place to take the rest position from the working position.

5 This ensures that the application nozzle 3 is always closed when the round brush 14 is in its working position.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 applicator

2 connector

3 application nozzle

4 distribution element

5 closure means

6 tip

7 side panel

8 axis

9 sponge roll

10 axis

11 closing plate

12 recess

13 bottle

14 Circular brush

15 hole

16 grip area

17 bristles

18 projections

V adjustment direction

Claims

claims

1. applicator (1) for applying hair treatment agent in the field of

5 hairline, in particular for re-coloring of regrowing hair, with an application nozzle (3) for the hair treatment agent, with a distribution element (4) for distributing the applied hair treatment agent and with a closure means (5) for the application nozzle (3), characterized in that the distributor element (4) has a working position and a rest position and the closure means (5) has a closed position and an open position, wherein the distributor element (4) is mechanically coupled to the closure means (5) such that the closure means (5) adjoin itself in the closed position, when the distribution element (4) is in the working position.

5

2. Applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the distribution element (4) with which the closure means (5) is mechanically coupled, that the closure means (5) is in the open position, when the Verteilele¬ element (4) in is at rest.

! 0

3. Applicator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the distribution element (4) and the closure means (5) are at least connectable to each other.

.5

4. Applicator according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the

Distributing element (4) is arranged in its working position in the region of the application nozzle tip (6).

5. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distribution element (4) is movably connected to the application nozzle (3).

6. An applicator according to claim 5, characterized in that the distribution element (4) along the application nozzle (3) is displaceable.

7. Applicator according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the distribution element (4) in its rest position in the region of the base of the application nozzle

(3) is arranged. 5

8. An applicator according to claim 7, characterized in that the distribution element

(4) means (18) in frictional engagement with the closure means

(5) arranged means for actuating the same can be brought.

9. Applicator according to claim 8, characterized in that the closure means

(5) by turning the means (18) is actuated.

10. Applicator according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the distribution element (4) by a rotational-displacement movement of its rest position

5 ment in his working position and vice versa is movable.

11. An applicator according to claim 10, characterized in that the application nozzle (3) has on its outer circumference a groove or a projection with which or on the distribution element (4) provided counterpart cooperates. O

12. An applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distribution element (4) surrounds the application nozzle (3), in particular as a encompassing round brush (14) is formed.

5. 13. Applicator according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the

Distributor (4) has two elongated side parts (7), which are connected to the Auf¬ tragsdüse (3) transversely to the longitudinal direction of the application nozzle (3) hingedly movable.

0 14. An applicator according to claim 13, characterized in that the side parts (7) with the closure means (5) cooperate, in particular len of the Seitentei¬ (7) is worn.

15. An applicator according to any one of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that 5, the distribution element (4) has a distribution surface (9).

16. An applicator according to claim 15, characterized in that the distribution surface (9) is a surface distribution surface.

5

17. An applicator according to claim 16, characterized in that the distribution surface (9) about a transversely to the longitudinal direction of the application nozzle (3) extending axis (10) is rotatable.

18. An applicator according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that the distribution element (4) is a rotatable sponge ball or a rotatable sponge roller (9).

19. An applicator according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the distribution element (5) is a fixed sponge.

20. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that latching means are provided which define the distribution element (4) in its working position and / or rest position. O

21. An applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distribution element (4) with the application nozzle (3) is detachable and attachable.

22. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application nozzle (3) has a connecting piece (2) for connection to a

Hair treatment agent container (13).

23. An applicator according to claim 22, characterized in that it can be screwed in the manner of a closure cap via the connecting piece (2) of the application nozzle (3) with the hair treatment agent container (13).

24. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is connected to a pivotable outlet of the hair treatment agent container.

55

25. Hair treatment agent container with an applicator according to one of the preceding claims.

26. hair treatment agent container according to claim 25, characterized in that the application nozzle (3) is part of the hair treatment agent container (13).